“This is a major step backward in Myanmar’s transition to democracy [and]cannot be squared with the rule of law or freedom of speech.”

He added that the verdict “must be corrected by the Myanmar government as a matter of urgency.”

Kevin Krolicki, Reuters’ regional editor for Asia said: “What happened today threatens to undermine the rule of law and freedom of press that democracy requires.”

Shortly after the announcement broke, the UN in Myanmar issued a call for the pair to be released back to their families and jobs.

Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch, also issued a statement, saying: “The outrageous convictions of the Reuters journalists show Myanmar courts’ willingness to muzzle those reporting on military atrocities.

Image:Supporters of detained Myanmar journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo march during a rally demanding their release

“These sentences mark a new low for press freedom and further backsliding on rights under Aung San Suu Kyi’s government.”

Britain’s ambassador to Myanmar, Dan Chugg, said the UK was “extremely disappointed by this verdict”, while US ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel said: “It’s deeply troubling for everybody who has struggled so hard here for media freedom.”